March 16 | Luke 13:1-9, 18-21, 31-35

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DAILY READING

Luke 13:1-9, 18-21, 31-35

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REFLECTION

Fruit Amidst Struggle

By Elaine Pierce

I have never seen a fig tree, but they are certainly mentioned many times in scripture, often as a symbol of Israel's prosperity and wealth. Their thick, dark leaves provide cooling shade in a hot, dry, country, and their fruit is sweet and rich. Jesus tells this short parable of the fig tree in verses 6-9 immediately after he warns his listeners that, "unless you repent, you too will all perish." The parable amplifies these warnings: if the fig tree doesn't bear fruit - which is the reason for its existence - the vineyard owner will cut it down.

Who is Jesus in the parable, the vineyard owner or the gardener? Or could he be both? Jesus wants us to repent - and he tells us that our life could change in a moment, like the eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them. Or we could have time to repent, like the fig tree whose owner gives it another year to bear fruit. But there will come a reckoning, whether it comes quickly or slowly.

Jesus isn't blaming the victims who were crushed under the tower in Siloam. All too often, we hear people equate tragedy with divine judgment. Sin does not make atrocities come. They just come. The question for us is how we respond to sin, to death, to destruction. When a plane crashes, when a child is mauled by a dog, when cancer is diagnosed, how do we respond? How do we live the life we get to live?

Pilate was a cruel ruler who crushed rebellions and ridiculed the customs of the Jewish people.

Today we see nations in turmoil and countries at war. I am tempted to throw my hands up and say, Lord, Jesus, come! Deliver us from this sinful world. I am helpless to change the evil I see all around me. But instead of leading a life of despair, I am called to serve those in need, whether that is my neighbor, my family, or those caught in poverty, in devastation, in fear.

Jesus doesn't promise us a life of ease. Isaiah 43:2 is a powerful reminder of how God loves us and cares for us in the midst of immense struggle and hardship:

"But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says 'Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

PRAYER

Lord, when the fires come, when the waters overflow, help me to turn to you. Hold me close and remind me that you are with me in the midst of troubles and hard times. Like the fig tree, I desire to bear fruit and good works in your name. Help me to trust in you and you alone. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!

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